From its deep-rooted history to its sentimental symbolism, here’s a closer look at the iconic sapphire-and-diamond ring.
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is undoubtedly one of the most famous and influential pieces of jewelry in history. Featuring a striking 12-carat sapphire encircled by 14 dazzling diamonds, this royal heirloom continues to inspire countless modern designs. While its timeless beauty plays a significant role in its widespread appeal, the ring’s rich heritage and sentimental significance contribute to its lasting charm.
Even in places like New York, where luxury jewelry is a staple in high-end boutiques, Kate’s ring remains one of the most admired and referenced engagement styles. Its influence extends across the fashion world, from NYC’s famed diamond district to royal enthusiasts around the globe.
When Prince William and Kate announced their engagement on November 16, 2010, the exquisite ring was instantly recognized—it was the same piece his late mother, Princess Diana, had once worn. Diana received the ring from Prince Charles (now King Charles III) when he proposed in 1981. In an interview with ITV, William and Kate shared that choosing this heirloom was a heartfelt way to honor Diana’s memory and keep her presence close.
However, the story of this dazzling diamond-and-sapphire ring extends beyond the two princesses who wore it. Below, we explore it’s fascinating past, unique design, estimated value, symbolic significance, and transformation over time.
The History Behind Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring
Though Princess Diana was the first royal to wear this particular ring, its design traces back to the 19th century. Here’s a glimpse into its remarkable history.
1840: The Origin of the Design
The inspiration for the ring dates back to 1840 when Prince Albert commissioned British jeweler Garrard to craft a special diamond-and-sapphire brooch for Queen Victoria. The monarch adored the piece so much that she chose to wear it on her wedding day as her “something blue,” pinned to the front of her gown.
Queen Victoria cherished the brooch throughout her reign, and upon her passing in 1861, it became a crown heirloom, reserved for the reigning British monarch. Successive rulers, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, also wore the treasured jewel.
1981: Prince Charles Selects an Engagement Ring
Before proposing to Lady Diana Spencer, Prince Charles presented her with a selection of engagement rings, one of which was a sapphire-and-diamond piece from Garrard. Inspired by his mother’s beloved brooch, Charles felt drawn to the ring, and Diana ultimately chose it—reportedly because it reminded her of her own mother’s engagement ring. Others speculated that she was captivated by its vivid blue hue, which complemented her eyes.
Interestingly, this choice deviated from royal tradition. Unlike previous engagement rings custom-made for royalty, this one was a stock piece from Garrard’s collection, meaning it was available for purchase by non-royals as well. This detail was said to have caused some controversy within the royal family.
1997: Princess Diana’s Sons Inherit the Ring
Following Princess Diana’s tragic passing in 1997, her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, inherited her cherished belongings. Reports initially suggested that Harry chose the engagement ring from her collection but later gave it to William when he decided to propose to Kate. However, Harry’s memoir, Spare, states that William had always been the ring’s rightful owner. Diana’s former royal butler, Paul Burrell, confirmed the original claim, asserting that Harry had indeed inherited it first.
2010: Kate Middleton Debuts the Ring
Regardless of how William came into possession of the ring, he used it to propose to Kate during a trip to Kenya in 2010. The world caught its first glimpse of the iconic piece on November 16, 2010, when the couple officially announced their engagement at St. James’ Palace. Kate paired the ring with a royal blue Issa dress, further highlighting its striking sapphire hue.
During their ITV interview, William shared the heartfelt reason behind his choice: “It’s my mother’s engagement ring, so I thought it was quite nice because, obviously, she’s not going to be around to share in any of the fun and excitement of all this. This is my way of keeping her sort of close to it all.”
The Details of Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring
Kate’s engagement ring features a 12-carat oval-cut Ceylon sapphire from Sri Lanka, surrounded by 14 round-cut solitaire diamonds set in 18-karat white gold. When Prince Charles originally presented it to Diana in 1981, the ring was valued between $37,500 and $60,000. Today, it’s worth has significantly increased due to inflation and historical significance, with estimates reaching up to $520,000.
In New York City (NYC), where engagement rings are a booming industry, jewelers often replicate Kate’s timeless design. If you’re captivated by the elegance of sapphire engagement rings, JewelryNest offers a stunning selection inspired by royal classics. Their expert team can help you find your perfect ring—and they’ll even deliver it to your door in NYC and across the USA.
The Symbolic Meaning Behind the Ring
Beyond its monetary and sentimental value, the ring holds deep symbolic meaning. Sapphires have long been associated with qualities such as love, commitment, loyalty, truth, protection, abundance, and good fortune—attributes that align with a strong marriage. Additionally, the ring represents tradition due to its royal heritage and serves as a tribute to Princess Diana, ensuring her memory remains part of William and Kate’s journey.
The Evolution of Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring and Her Growing Ring Stack
Since 2010, Kate’s engagement ring has undergone slight modifications and has been accompanied by new additions to her jewelry collection. Here’s how her ring stack has evolved over the years.
A Perfect Fit
When Kate first received the ring, it was reportedly too large for her finger. To ensure a secure fit without altering the original design, royal jeweler G. Collins & Sons discreetly added platinum beads inside the band to adjust its size.
A Gold Wedding Band
On April 29, 2011, Kate and William exchanged vows, adding a new piece to her left hand: a simple yet elegant gold wedding band. The ring, crafted from rare Welsh gold, was a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II.
A Diamond Eternity Band
In 2013, Kate’s ring stack expanded further when William gifted her a white gold and diamond eternity band from Annoushka after the birth of their first son, Prince George.
A Sentimental Promise Ring
Following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, eagle-eyed fans noticed another ring on Kate’s finger in a congratulatory video for Team Britain. This delicate promise ring, given to her by William during their early relationship, features their birthstones—garnet for Kate and pearl for William—set in a Victorian-style rose gold band.
A Sapphire-and-Diamond Eternity Band
In September 2024, Kate appeared in a heartfelt video marking the end of her chemotherapy treatment, following her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. Observers noticed a new addition to her ring stack: a sapphire-and-diamond eternity band. The following month, during her first public appearance since completing treatment, she was seen wearing it again, further solidifying its significance.
